Sorry guys, It's been far too long. On my return to this story, I realized that I had skipped a chapter somewhere. What was posted for chapter 4 was actually meant to be chapter 5. So I added the real chapter 4, moved chapter 5, and even posted a chapter 6. Again sorry, working full time sucks sometimes. Do me a favor and leave a review if/when you make it through this latest update, thanks.
Days and weeks had passed since the enactment of the new law. For the most part, Hogwarts went on as its usual self. There were some wedding plans in the works for a few seventh years, but nothing too major.
Minerva looked through the petitions that the other ladies had screened, but none were good options. Some might just be bearable. A lifetime of being single and making her own plans was hard to part with, especially if love wasn't a factor.
If she were honest with herself, Minerva had known love and still did. Years ago, that love had been renamed as friendship, but it was still there. She wasn't really sure why they decided it wouldn't work, but for some reason or other she let Albus lock those feelings away. Clearly, he wasn't in love with her or he would have had a harder time with his decision. Of course, the idea to stay friends was his idea, but Minerva went along with it to spare her own feelings. Staying friends was better than the alternative. How could she choose some other wizard when the perfect one for her was right here at Hogwarts?
Albus was never the marrying type though. Through the years, Minerva knew he kept company with a handful of ladies, but he was never serious about them. Not that it mattered really, she knew that there was never a chance he would consider her worthy. She was 63 years old for Pete's sake and not near as attractive as she had been all those years ago when he turned her down the first time.
Since love was definitely out of the question the next consideration would be whether she would be allowed to keep her post here at Hogwarts. Her career meant the world to her, and she wouldn't let that go easily.
So now she was looking for someone easy going, with a job or hobby that would keep them busy the rest of the time. Honestly, she would only need to see them once a week anyway. As long as she could stay and teach, then the rest was bearable.
Making a mental list, Minerva decided she would go see the closest candidate first. More than half of her time was already up, and she now had to gather her courage and face this problem.
The next day at breakfast, Minerva received a letter from her former student Hermione Granger. While that description was true, she did tend to think of the girl as more of a friend the last three years. How things do change.
Albus noticed the smile on Minerva's face and asked, "Good news?"
"Not exactly good news, but it's from Hermione. She says she plans to fight this barbarity of a law until they lock her up. She has no plans to marry and thinks that there are enough other witches who haven't conformed, that they will have some influence on the ministry. I can't see them having much of an effect, but I'm glad she is standing up for her beliefs. Sometimes I wish I had that freedom."
"You are still considering defying the law?"
With a sigh, Minerva answered, "No, I'm too old to withstand Azkaban, and besides, who would keep the school running when they've locked me up."
They both smiled, thinking about the school's vast amounts of paperwork. Then they both returned to their breakfasts.
"Oh, "Minerva remembered, "I'll be going into Hogsmede this morning. I don't foresee any problems arising, but I thought I ought to let you know anyway. I may not be back for lunch."
"Oh, what a coincidence. I was thinking of making the trek myself. Shall I escort you there then?"
"That would be nice," she said not wanting to offend him, but this wasn't quite the way she hoped to accomplish things.
"Perfect," Albus confirmed. "How about we meet in the entrance hall in an hour?"
An hour later saw the two professors casually walking along the path to Hogsmeade. Minerva invested herself in whatever Albus wanted to chat about, if only to distract herself a little longer. Gryffindor or not, she was terrified to have this conversation, but it had to be done.
All too soon for Minerva, they reached the village. "Where would you like to go first?" Asked Dumbledore.
"Oh, don't worry about me. Go ahead and see to your errands," Minerva urged, hoping that he would give her some space without her having to hurt his feelings.
"Nonsense, I don't mind waiting. My errand as you say, was just to replenish my store of sweets."
Shaking her head, Minerva sighed, "As you wish then. I'm visiting the Hog's Head first."
A puzzled Albus stared back at her, as she turned to proceed in the direction of the specified pub. She could tell he wanted to ask, but was very grateful he hadn't. Maybe she could get away with this Afterall.
Entering the Hog's Head, Minerva walked up to the bar where Aberforth Dumbledore stood cleaning dust off of a firewiskey bottle with a rag that must have been filthier than the dusty bottle. Of course, Albus had caught up by this time, and was right on her heels.
"Professor." Aberforth said in greeting.
"Ah, yes, could we have a word or two somewhere slightly more private." Minerva asked.
"No problem. Just through here if ya want." Minerva turned to follow him, glad that he hadn't questioned her right then.
Too bad her luck didn't hold as Aberforth then added, "I figure this has somethin' to do with my petition then."
Minerva hid her face with her hands as she was sure Albus had heard that. Slowly she turned back to gauge his reaction. Shock was an understatement. True horror was closer to the mark.
Then it quickly changed to anger and he practically shouted. "How could you choose this, this sad excuse for a human as your..." He trailed off as he could not say the word in relation to Aberforth.
"For your information Albus Dumbledore," she turned his own accusing tone back at him, "I have not chosen anybody, but when I do it will be my choice, not yours."
"I'm not saying that, just please don't marry Abe." Albus practically begged.
"Then who Albus? Who else is there? The last time I checked, you have no claim over my person. A fact you made perfectly clear several decades ago. So why don't you go mind your own business for once and stay out of mine."
Minerva gave him a minute to come up with some apology or solution, but all she got was a gobsmacked look and silence. Turning around, Minerva quickly exited the pub and practically marched back to the castle. Locking herself in her quarters, she paced back and forth seething with rage and planning various repayment plans. Yes, that's right. No one makes a fool out of Minerva McGonagall in public and goes unpunished. Besides, anger at Albus was much easier to deal with than the other emotions threatening to take over.
It took some planning and time for Minerva to come up with the perfect plan and pull it off. His punishment came in the form of a chair leg vanishing just as he was going to sit down to his lunch. The students had a big laugh. Even Minerva herself couldn't hide a snicker.
When Albus had fixed his seat and set to eat, he smiled over at Minerva before asking, "Are we even now?"
"We are most certainly not even. You still owe me a suitable husband since my first option was apparently vetoed."
"Was he really your first choice?" Dumbledore asked. "It seems to me you could do much better."
"I don't think you understand." Minerva Explained, "Aberforth was a viable option. He is generally busy with his pub or animals and would probably stay out of my way for the most part. Hogsmeade isn't that far away so I could still manage to keep my job, and all the other things I can live with or possibly change."
"It's just not right Minerva. He isn't right for you." Albus pleaded.
"There isn't going to be a Mr. Right. There hasn't been one for 60 years, and adding a timer isn't helping anything. I might as well just let the Ministry decide. Perhaps they will take pity on this old spinster and forget my name was on the list."
All she got in response was a sad pitying smile and it was just as well. She was done talking about it anyway.